Thousands of Wigan pensioners missing out on free TV licences

At least 3,405 over-75s in the borough are not receiving their Pension Credit payments even though they meet the criteria, data analysis by national poverty charity Turn2Us suggests.
Households where someone over 75 claims Pension Credit gets a free TV licenceHouseholds where someone over 75 claims Pension Credit gets a free TV licence
Households where someone over 75 claims Pension Credit gets a free TV licence

Since August 1 the BBC has been running a new scheme where households with someone over 75 receiving Pension Credit gets a free TV licence.

As well as not having to shell out to watch their favourite shows not applying for Pension Credit means Wiganers could be losing out on payments worth hundreds of pounds.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Age UK Wigan Borough is also keen to spread the message that pensioners need to check carefully to ensure they are receiving the full amount which they are entitled to get.

It is estimated that only around 61 per cent of those eligible currently receive Pension Credit payments, which means across the country more than half a million pensioners are missing out on free TV licences.

John McArdle, chief officer of Age UK Wigan Borough, said: “After a difficult year we are concerned people over 75 will be faced with paying for their TV licence.

“It is important that all retired people check they are receiving benefits they are entitled to.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Many people may not realise that they can claim pension credit and will be struggling already and now face the cost of the TV licence.

“I would urge people to check things out and if they need advice or support to get in touch with us.”

The North West has the highest rate of households going without benefits they are entitled to of any region in England and Wales.

The data suggests there are at least 75,354 people aged 75 or over not getting Pension Credit payments when they could be in the region.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The benefit is available for people who have reached the state pension age but need their incomes topping up.

Anna Stevenson, welfare benefit expert at Turn2us, said: “Pension Credit is a lifeline for older people stuck on low incomes in retirement, and now it is the only route to getting a free TV license. So it is more important, now than ever, to claim it.

“The extra income, and so called ‘passport-benefits’ that Pension Credit unlocks, can go a long way to helping many older people keep their head above water and avoid being pulled into poverty.”

Pensioners in the borough needing benefits help can contact Age UK Wigan Borough on 01942 241972 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 4.30pm or find out more online at www.ageuk.org.uk/wiganborough/

Related topics: